Garden Route.
(Also see multi day hiking trails)
Day Hikes
Diepwalle Forestry Station
At the Diepwalle Forestry Station there are 3 beautiful Elephant Trails in the Knysna Forest.
Three trails, of varying difficulty, wind their way through pristine Knysna forest, starting and ending at the Diepwalle Forestry Station.
Black Route: 9km; circular (Easy: 3-4 hours)
White Route: 8km; circular (Moderate: 3-4 hours)
Red Route: 7km; circular (Moderate – Difficult: 3-4 hours)
The trail is a mix of forestry road, woodcutter trails and boardwalk, winding its way past giant old yellowwoods, stinkwood trees, gurgling streams and beautiful tree ferns.
Along the forest floor, the fungi are a delight to behold. From the brightest orange to something that looks like Oreos growing out the side of a tree.
If you keep your eyes open, you might spot a Knysna Loerie or a Knysna dwarf chameleon.
It is magical!
Robberg Nature Reserve in Plettenbergbay area is a World Heritage Site and National Monument, steeped in history, with prehistoric rocks and artefacts. The picturesque peninsula is home to a wealth of fynbos, flora and ocean life, all of which dazzle the senses.
Choose to hike the different trails, each with its own degree of difficulty, but all with unique beauty and scenery.
Tsitsikamma National Park, Natures Valley & Storms River area
There are a number of walks and hikes in the Park, at Nature's Valley and around Storms River Village. The trails range from 1,8 km up to 9km and meander through the indigenous forests and on to coastal areas.
MULTI DAY HIKING TRAILS
This is +-15km and the Homtini River is a beautiful place to rest. On this day you also pass through Jubilee Creek picnic site which is a scenic delight and beckons you to stop. A short diversion also leads you to a waterfal with an inviting plunge pool. The hut consists of a charming, rambling old house with updated ablusion blocks. (For those who knew it. Mother Holly's (Matterolli) restaurant has closed down)
Millwood to Rondebossie Hut:
This is +- 17km and is quite hilly. Although you walk in the forest, it can become extremely hot. Take adequate water and nutrition to help kerb exhaustion. Don't miss the swimming spot on the Knysna River. Just when you think you have really had enough, the hut suddenly appears in a clearing in the forest.
Rondebossie to Diepwalle Hut:
About 13km start on a lovely green forest food path but a hill awaits you and after that another HILL. The top offers a spectacular view. One can see as far as the Knysna Heads. Best to have a break before you reach the top since there are no shade on the top. The rest of the route you just cruise to Diepwalle hut where electricity and a warm shower awaits you. Diepwalle hut is also a great start/stop point for shorter route options. The Deepwalle Teagarden is about 40 m from the hut. Phone ahead to book.
Diepwalle to Fisantehoek Hut:
Other hiking trails criss-cross this 16km route near the start so be alert not to follow the wrong indicators. The route crosses two rivers which offer refreshing resting spots.
Fisantehoek to Harkerville Hut:
Is the shortest distance, +-12km, on the trail and quite easy-going. It is worth while taking your back pack off your weary shoulders and taking a stroll through the Garden of Eden as the trail crosses the N2 national road near here. After that its just 5km to the Harkerville hut which boasts electricity and hot water to soothe your weary bones.
The Sinclar Hut and the consists of two rooms with bunk beds and mattresses which sleep 12. There are flush toilets with wash basins but no showers. There is also a very inviting covered braai area with wood. Be sure to pack something to braai and while peering into the fire reflect on the day's hike, very relaxing. Be aware of the baboons and be sure to close up all windows and doors and please clean up.
There are ample rock pools to explore. Take your goggles, snorkel flippers or "swimmingshoes"
Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail
The Tsitsikamma Trail is a hiking paradise, journeying through extensive indigenous afromontane forest and mountain fynbos. Ancient river gorges and abundant rivers and streams remind us of the creative power of water and the origins of the word Tsitsikamma. This is an enchanted world where echoes of past giants such as elephant and buffalo can still be felt. Some of the finest specimens of South Africa’s national tree, the Outeniqua yellowwood, keep sentinel over the forest canopy while hikers clamber over their enormous roots beneath.
Beginning in Nature’s Valley and ending 62.3km further at either the Storms River Bridge or Village, this six day, unidirectional trail takes hikers through the heart of the Tsitsikamma Mountains.
The Otter trail runs along the spectacular coastline between the Storms River mouth and Nature’s Valley, It is named after the shy, mostly nocturnal, Cape Clawless Otter which inhabits the estuaries and streams of the South African coast. The trail, which is officially the oldest and undoubtedly the most iconic hiking trail in South Africa, was opened in 1968.
The trail is 5 days and 4 nights. The approximate distances and durations are:
- Day 1 = 4.8km (± 2 hours)
- Day 2 = 7.9km (± 4 hours)
- Day 3 = 7.7km (± 4 hours)
- Day 4 = 13.8km (± 6 hours)
- Day 5 = 10.8km (± 5 hours)
- Total Distance = 45km
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